Adventures in Crochet!

Charity Projects

This afternoon I finished my very first beanie! I used a simple and satisfying pattern that I found here on Ravelry. It’s called Jules’ Slouch Hat and it is entirely hdc (US) , which is my favourite stitch. I don’t know why, I just find something soothing about it, yarn over and loop up, then simple slide through all three…do I sound like a nutter? 😁 What’s your favourite stitch at the moment? I’m also really feeling popcorns right now – love that texture!!

But, I digress. Here I am striking a pose for you, which was fun! I’m not a wearer of hats but I confess I rather like this one. It’s not staying though because it’s for a silent charity auction in aid of brain cancer research in a couple of weeks time, in a small coastal town a little to the North of here. If you would like to be involved in a similar event, just Google or Facebook (is that a verb?) ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’ – there seem to be a fair few going on in regions where it’s currently winter, as it is here.

And here’s a close up of the wool, which I’ve been raving about on Instagram – it’s ‘Circus’ California 8ply from the Cleckheaton range. I bought it on a whim online and I just love this variegated 100% wool – the colours are gorgeous and the change is frequent, perfect for a small project such as this. What’s your favourite variegated yarn?

It’s the first week of the school hols and so far we have a good mix of home days and excursions going on – and there has been crochet, hurrah!

First up, a Sophie’s Universe update. I’m into part five now and still loving her soooooooo much! I’m really glad I bought the book (from Wool Warehouse – for some reason it’s not yet listed in my usual store, Book Depository), it’s just beautiful.

I’m also making pleasant and steady progress on my new Willow baby blanket (pattern by Jan Eaton in 200 Crochet Blocks). Six down, fourteen to go!

Lastly, I ordered some Cleckheaton California 8ply on a whim last week while purchasing some Lincraft Cakes to try. It’s beautiful 100% wool and last night I started a beanie – the colourway is ‘Circus’ and I love it! I took it to the play centre today and got a few rounds in while my girls worked off some of their boundless energy with friends. I got chatting to another woman with wool in her hands – not a common sight! – who was doing Afghan crochet, which I’ve never seen before. So interesting! With a giant knitting needle with a hook on the end, which I assumed was a Tunisian hook but apparently not. I must google. Great to see public crochet and enjoy some impromptu yarny chat!

I’ve never actually made a beanie before, not wearing them myself. If it works out ok I’ll share the pattern I found. I plan to donate it to a charity silent auction that’s happening up the coast later in the month, in aid of brain cancer research. I’m not sure of the origins of this event but there seem to be several going on – search Facebook ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’ for information local to you if you’d like to be involved.

And that’s it from me for now. Must get dinner on. If hols allow, I’ll be back Friday. Meantime, I wish you happy hooking 😀

I’ve shied away from amigurumi in the past because I find tiny hooks and finer yarn difficult. However, when I heard about Octopus for a Preemie, I decided it was time to leave my comfort zone!

It has been shown that premature babies can benefit from being able to grasp the tentacles of these tiny crocheted octopi. They are apparently reminiscent of the umbilical cord in the womb, and are also said to help prevent the baby from pulling on the wires they may have attached to them.

Originating in Denmark, you can now find your area or nationwide group on Facebook for details of the strict safety criteria and process for submitting to participating hospitals.

This is my test run octopus and my very first amigurumi 🙂 He doesn’t meet my exacting standards, never mind those of the hospital, but I’m going to go down a hook size (so absolutely no stuffing is visible) and persevere! I made him with Flinders Cotton 8ply (heads up, Aussies – it’s on special at Spotlight at the moment) and a 2.5mm hook. I’m going to go down to 2mm, and perfect those twirly tentacles and facial features 🙂

As you can see below, he really is very little! Hence, fiddly. But I figure it’s just a question of practice, so I’m going to keep going. And my daughters are delighted we’re keeping this one 🙂

Have you tried amigurumi? Are you participating in Octopus for a Preemie? Once I get the hang of this octopus, I definitely see a lot more amigurumi in my future!